J&K restores 16th century Zainakadal Bridge

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government
is restoring the Zainakadal bridge, dating back to 16th
century, as part of its efforts to promote heritage tourism.

"Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar yesterday
inspected the ongoing restoration work of the prestigious
Zainakadal project and asked the officials concerned to
develop the bridge in consonance with local architecture and
taste," an official spokesman said.

The minister, who represents Khanyar assembly segment,
also directed the officials concerned to rehabilitate the
shopkeepers whose shops will be acquired for the project, he
said.

Zainakadal, one of the oldest bridges in Kashmir, was
constructed about 600 years ago by Sultan of Kashmir Zainul
Abidin.

Earlier, the state government had planned to dismantle
the bridge to construct a new one in its place but the
proposal was shelved following opposition by cultural
activists.

The government will also restore the historic Mujahid
Manzil, which was gutted in a fire several years ago, the
spokesperson said.

Mubarak Gul, advisor to JK chief minister, who visited
the historic building yesterday said a multi-storied complex
with modern facilities would be constructed at the site.

Mujahid Manzil was the hotbed of Kashmir politics for
around seven decades and it remained the headquarters of
National Conference till 1994.

Located in the heart of Srinagar city, the structure was
set ablaze by suspected militants, forcing the NC to shift its
headquarters to Nawai Subah complex.